1. Gender is the biggest risk because breast cancer occurs mostly in women.
2. Age is another critical factor. Breast cancer may occur at any age, though the risk of breast cancer increases with age. A 60-year-old woman has a one in 30 chance of developing breast cancer in the next 10 years.
3. Family history has long been known to be a risk factor for breast cancer. Both maternal and paternal relatives are important. The risk is highest if the affected relative developed breast cancer at a young age, had cancer in both breasts, or if she is a close relative. About 5-10% of breast cancers are believed to be hereditary, as a result of mutations, or changes, in certain genes that are passed along in families.
4. Hormonal influences play a role in the development of breast cancer. Women who start their periods at an early age (11 or younger) or experience a late menopause (55 or older) have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer.
5. Having a child before age 30 years may provide some protection, and having no children may increase the risk for developing breast cancer.
6. Breast cancer seems to occur more frequently in countries with high dietary intake of fat, and being overweight or obese is a known risk factor for breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women.
7. Environmental Causes: Radiation treatment increases the likelihood of developing breast cancer but only after a long delay.